Ios 18.1 Primary Email Address – Change iCloud Email Option

With the release of iOS 18.1, Apple has introduced a significant and long-awaited feature that allows iPhone users to change their primary email address associated with their Apple account, a capability that was previously cumbersome and restrictive.

Simplified Process

Prior to iOS 18.1, changing the primary email address linked to an Apple account was a complex and inconvenient process. Users had to delete the existing email address, add a new one, and go through a verification process, which often caused unnecessary hassle and potential disruptions to account access.

Now, with the latest update, users can change their primary email address directly from the Settings app without the need to delete the old one. This can be done by navigating to Settings > Profile Name (at the top) > Sign-In & Security > Email & Phone Numbers.

Primary Email Address Management

The new feature includes a dedicated “Primary Email” toggle, allowing users to specify an email address as the preferred inbox for all communications related to their Apple account. This is particularly useful for those who use multiple email addresses, such as a Gmail account for collaboration, and want to manage their Apple services more efficiently.

iCloud Email Address Changes

iOS 18.1 also enables users to change their primary iCloud email address, which was not possible before. Previously, users could only create aliases for their iCloud email, but the primary address remained unchanged and sometimes visible to others in certain situations, such as when sharing documents or sending calendar invitations.

With this update, users can now permanently change their iCloud.com or me.com email addresses, giving them more control over their online identity and privacy. This is especially beneficial for those who initially chose an email address that they no longer wish to use, perhaps due to its unprofessional nature or a change in personal circumstances.

Continued Use of Old Email

An important aspect of this feature is that users can continue to use their old email address for logging in, even after changing the primary email address. However, it is worth noting that the old email address will not receive future emails and will not be functional for services like FaceTime or iMessage once it is no longer the primary address.

Enhanced Privacy and Flexibility

The ability to change the primary email address enhances user privacy and flexibility. Previously, the primary email address was sometimes visible to others, which could be a privacy concern. Now, users have the option to turn off a primary iCloud email address if they choose not to use it, rather than having to delete it entirely.

This update is part of a broader set of improvements in iOS 18.1, which aims to make everyday tasks easier and more convenient for iPhone users. The new features reflect Apple's commitment to user convenience and privacy, providing more control over their online identities and interactions with Apple services.